Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, has approved full government funding for the expansion of the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Programme to all zones of the state, beginning with Kashinbila in 2027.
Kefas announced the approval at the closing ceremony of the 2026 STEAM Programme organised by the Sarauniya Aishatu Baju (SAB) Foundation on the Mambilla Plateau, where more than 1,200 children from Sardauna Local Government Area were exposed to practical learning, innovation, mentorship and community engagement.
The governor said the initiative had demonstrated the transformative potential of experiential learning and innovation-driven education in preparing children for opportunities in science, technology, entrepreneurship and leadership.
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He directed the Commissioner for Education (Nursery and Primary Education) to collaborate with the SAB Foundation and its partners to strengthen child education and expand innovative learning opportunities across Taraba.
Kefas commended the Foundation for complementing government efforts in education, healthcare, women’s empowerment and youth development, while appreciating Professor Hauwa Ibrahim for bringing the programme to Taraba.
The governor also praised the tutors, facilitators and volunteers for their professionalism, resilience and commitment to nurturing creativity, confidence and critical thinking among the participating children.
The Founder and President of the SAB Foundation, AIG Dr Aishatu Abubakar Baju, said the four-week programme was designed to equip children with practical knowledge and skills capable of helping them address challenges within their communities.
Baju explained, “The programme was designed not only to teach science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, but also to foster creativity, critical thinking, leadership, cultural awareness, sustainability, and community engagement. We wanted our children to understand that education extends beyond the classroom and can be applied to solving real-life challenges within their communities.”
She disclosed that more than 1,200 children from Gembu, Nguroje and Bamnga constituencies participated through an inclusive and apolitical selection process, including children living with disabilities.
The Foundation’s president said participants received daily meals, school bags, exercise books, writing materials and STEAM learning kits to sustain learning beyond the programme.
The impact of the programme was reflected in the testimonies of participants.
Aishatu Abdulkarim, a student of Government Technical College, Gembu, commended Baju for her leadership, wisdom and commitment to community development.
“Your dedication, compassion and tireless service continue to inspire hope, unity and progress. We are deeply grateful for your guidance, support and the positive impact you have made in the lives of many.”
Another participant, Favour Samuel Tombochim of Government Day Secondary School, Gembu, who spoke on behalf of students from various schools, appreciated the organisers and partners for coming to “teach us and upgrade our knowledge.”
Tombochim said, “We have benefited a lot from this STEAM work. This is the first of its kind in our great land, but our Queen Mother, who knows the importance of future leaders, has deemed it necessary for us to undergo this workshop so that we will become great leaders of tomorrow.”
Baju disclosed that the SAB Foundation had, in five years, empowered more than 5,000 women, impacted over 5,000 children, distributed sanitary kits to more than 3,000 girls and implemented medical and youth empowerment programmes.
She reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to supporting government efforts to improve education, health and social well-being.
In her concluding remarks, Baju stated, “As we celebrate the success of this programme, we remain convinced that investing in children is one of the most effective ways of building stronger families, resilient communities, and a prosperous nation. The future of Mambilla Plateau is bright. The future of Taraba State is bright. The future of Nigeria is bright.”
